“See here, Nella-Rose, you ought not to come here—alone!”
“Why? Aren’t you glad to see me?”
“Of course. But why did you come?” This was risky. Truedale recognized it at once.
“Just to say—‘how-de’! You certainly do look scroogy.”
At this Truedale laughed. Nella-Rose’s capacity for bringing forth his happier, merrier nature was one of her endearing charms.
“You didn’t come just for that, Nella-Rose!” This with stern disapproval.
“Take off the scroogy face—then I’ll tell you why I came.”
“Very well!” Truedale smiled weakly. “Why?”
“I’m right hungry. I—I want a party.”
Of course this would never do. White, or one of the blood-and-thunder raiders, might appear.